On second and 11 there were 3:56 to go in the game. They called a deep pass from the shotgun despite the fact that their longest completion came on a pass to a running back underneath and everything else semi deep came off play action. The Pats had all 3 time outs but the Falcons were at about a 43 yard FG range. 997/1000 times a team in the Falcons position wins with that setup.
On their 3 previous drives to that one they punted twice and had the strip fumble. Ryan's one deep completion to Julio Jones (27 yards) did come on that drive, but it was not a smart throw and only complete because Julio is amazing.
So there are just under 4 minutes to go, it is 2nd and 11 and the Pats have all 3 time outs. You pretty much haven't been able to get a deep shot all game, and you choose that?
Now it is third and 23 at the New England 35, so a 52 yarder, probably not what you want but still possible. They throw a sideline out to Sanu for 9 yards but and up losing yards because of the penalty. Even if the penalty didn't happen they're right back to a 43 yard FG and they barely burned time and didn't force New England to use time outs.
They went backwards 23 yards and only took a minute off the clock,